1. Lack of military experience. The continental army was made up of colonist volunteers who were fighting against, at that time, the world’s best navy which consisted of well-disciplined and well-trained men.
2. Shortage of supplies such as food and gunpowder.
3. Lack of expenses. Great Britain had enough money to hire hessians to fight alongside them during the Revolutionary War. The Continental Army could not do that.
4. They were outnumbered. Before the Battle of Saratoga, the Continental Army was outnumbered 3-1 by the British.